NanoCruising

Few sailors embody the spirit of NanoCruising like Sven Yrvind. At 85 years old, he continues to design and sail tiny boats across vast oceans, proving that adventure isn’t about the size of your vessel, but the strength of your vision. In the first of two episodes with Sven, we dive into his remarkable journey—from growing up on a small island in Sweden to becoming a world-renowned small-boat sailor and designer. A Childhood Shaped by the Sea Sven’s love for the ocean started early. Growing up on a small island, he developed a deep appreciation for self-sufficiency and resilience. His first major voyage—a daring trip to Denmark in a tiny homemade boat—set the stage for a lifetime of innovative and ambitious adventures. Designing Bris and Challenging the Norm Sven’s first famous boat, Bris, challenged traditional ideas of offshore sailing. Built with simplicity and efficiency in mind, it showcased his philosophy: a well-designed small boat can be safer, more practical, and more efficie...

When it comes to NanoCruising, every sailor's journey is unique, but some stories resonate deeply with the spirit of adventure and community. In our latest episode of NanoCruising, we had the privilege to chat with Christine Berven, an accomplished sailor, proud owner of a Sparrow 16, and a very active member of the Lewis-Clark Sailing Association (She was Commodore, and now runs the cruising activities). Christine’s journey is an inspiring one. From finding and customizing her Sparrow 16 to fit her cruising lifestyle, to exploring the breathtaking waters of Northern Idaho, the Salish Sea, and the San Juan Islands, her experiences highlight the joys of small boat cruising. But Christine’s story is about more than just adventure—it's about building a community and empowering others. Highlights of the Episode The Sparrow 16 Advantage: Christine discusses why the Sparrow 16 is her boat of choice, detailing its features and her personal setup tips that make it perfect for NanoCrui...

Roger Barnes has long been regarded as a cornerstone of the dinghy cruising community. As president of the Dinghy Cruising Association (DCA), a celebrated author, and the creator of a thriving YouTube channel, he has inspired countless adventurers to embrace the joys of small boat sailing. In the second part of our interview, Roger shares more about his journey and the invaluable lessons he's learned along the way. Exploring Favorite Cruising Grounds Roger’s passion for exploring unique cruising grounds shines through in this episode. From serene coastal waters to challenging open seas, his experiences provide a window into the diverse beauty of dinghy cruising.  The Role of the Dinghy Cruising Association Under Roger’s leadership, the DCA has become a hub for dinghy sailors worldwide. He discusses how the association fosters a sense of community, provides resources, and encourages members to take on new challenges. Dinghies vs. Yachts: The Unique Appeal What makes dinghy cruising ...

 If you’re passionate about dinghy cruising or just beginning to dip your toes into the world of small-boat adventures, our latest interview is one you won’t want to miss! We had the honor of sitting down with Roger Barnes , president of the Dinghy Cruising Association and the highly respected author of The Dinghy Cruising Companion. Known globally for his profound knowledge and contributions to dinghy cruising, Roger has inspired countless sailors with his practical advice, adventurous spirit, and dedication to the craft. In this first part of our two-part interview series, Roger takes us on a personal journey through his own discovery of dinghy cruising. We explore his selection process for his beloved Ilur dinghy, a design that’s well-suited to his style and needs, as well as his advice on the essential features that make a great cruising dinghy. His reflections on choosing a boat are sure to resonate with anyone who’s faced the question of which design to sail. One of the stand...

If you’re passionate about compact boat adventures, Perttu Korhonen is a name you should know. With over 20 unique small boat designs to his credit, this Finnish designer and adventurer has become a standout figure in the world of NanoCruising. Known for crafting everything from portable kayaks to ultra-compact sailboats like the Ocean Explorer, Perttu has inspired countless adventurers to embrace the minimalist freedom of tiny boats. In our latest episode of NanoCruising, we had the pleasure of talking with Perttu about his designs, his favorite journeys, and his advice for aspiring cruisers. Crafting Boats for Adventure For Perttu, boat design isn’t just about aesthetics or speed—it's about creating vessels that enable meaningful journeys. With models that range from lightweight, foldable kayaks to sailboats built for exploration, Perttu’s designs open up new possibilities for those seeking adventure on a budget. Each boat is meticulously crafted to deliver simplicity, practicali...

 For many dinghy cruisers, the joy of the journey often comes from the shared experiences and camaraderie of like-minded adventurers. Kelly Trafford, founder of the Cam-Am Dinghy Cruising Association, saw this potential and took action. In our recent interview, Kelly shared the origin story of the Cam-Am Association—a community dedicated to bringing together small boat sailors from both Canada and the U.S. Starting a community from scratch wasn’t easy, but Kelly's passion for dinghy cruising and commitment to fostering connections helped the group take off. During our conversation, he offered invaluable advice for anyone looking to build or grow a community. His insights on what has worked best for the Cam-Am Dinghy Cruising Association could inspire other groups looking to connect sailors who might otherwise feel isolated on the water. Kelly also gave us a behind-the-scenes look at some of the association’s most memorable events. From local meetups to larger gatherings, these occa...

  In our latest NanoCruising episode, we had the pleasure of talking with Andrew Bedwell, a man on a mission to break the record for the smallest boat to cross the Atlantic. Andrew’s unique vessel, the “Big C,” was designed for a challenging route from Newfoundland to England. His initial attempt didn’t go as planned, ending with a rescue and a wealth of lessons learned. But Andrew's resolve is unwavering—he’s back at it, building a new and improved boat for a second attempt in 2025. In the episode, Andrew opens up about the drive behind his goal, the meticulous design considerations for such a minuscule vessel, and the profound motivation fueling his journey. We also explore his personal story: how he discovered his passion for tiny boat expeditions, what he learned from his first experience. Andrew also offers advice for dreamers and aspiring adventurers. His story is not just about the boat; it's a testament to resilience and daring to dream, reminding us all that big advent...